Philip L. Ganson, 80, of Huntsville, Ohio, passed away on Wednesday, December 17, 2008, at his home surrounded by his family and a very special friend, Wendy Davis.  He had been in failing health for some time.

He was born on January 31, 1928, in West Liberty, Ohio, the son of the late Roy & Edna Wells Ganson. His wife of 61 years, Bernice Carpenter, whom he married on October 13, 1947, in Covington, Kentucky, survives.  He is also survived by two daughters, Bonnie Martin of Lakeview, Ohio, and Cindy Eulrich of Huntsville, Ohio; two sons, Tony (Sharon) Ganson of Bellefontaine, Ohio, and Billy Ganson of Quincy, Ohio; 11 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren; three brothers, Herbert (Betty) Ganson of West Liberty, John (Peg) Ganson of Palatka, Florida, & Jim (Elaine) Ganson of Cookeville, Tennesee; and one sister, Betty Strayer of Lakeview, Ohio and many nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by a brother, Carl Ganson, a sister, Carol Koogler, granddaughter, Rose and great grandson, Ryan.

He retired in 1991 from the Logan County Highway Department after 31 years of service.  He was a former member of the Church of Brethren and the Church of Christ in Bellefontaine, and a member of the Eagles #3615 of Lakeview.  He loved to go hunting, fishing and travel with his wife all over the United States.

Pastors Keith Franks and Ron Irick will conduct the funeral service at 1:30 pm on Sunday, December 21, 2008, at the Eichholtz Funeral Home in Bellefontaine, where calling hours are Saturday, December 20, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8.  Burial will be in the Huntsville Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Logan County Cancer Society P.O. Box 463 Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311 or Universal Home Health Hospice 701 S. Main St. Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311.

Condolences to the family may be expressed at eichholtz@embarqmail.com